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Lexus, Infiniti, Volvo and Fiat all have something to shout about
publication date: Feb 25, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
To celebrate the LFA's hat-trick of class wins at the
Nürburgring 24 Hours race, Lexus has created the Nürburgring Package.
It is an array of
aerodynamic features, suspension adjustments and revisions to the 4.8-litre V10
engine that give the supercar a more track-focused profile.
Shown in public for
the first time at the Geneva motor show, the performance option is available on
just 50 of the 500 cars that will be built.
These versions will be crafted
during 2012, the second full year of LFA production. |  |
To sharpen the car's
circuit driving performance even further by increasing downforce at high speed,
the Nürburgring Package introduces modifications and additions to several key
carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components. These include a larger front
spoiler, fin-type side spoilers, a canard fin and a fixed rear wing.
To ensure the LFA
maintains its 3.7-second acceleration time from nought to 62mph, in spite of
the increased drag, the V10 engine has been revised to increase maximum power
by 10bhp to 562bhp. Shift times in the six-speed sequential transmission are
just 0.15 seconds.
In terms of handling
modifications, the package features suspension tuning and a 10mm reduction in
the ride height. Exclusive mesh-type wheels are introduced, fitted with
dedicated high-grip tyres.
Exterior colour
choices are restricted to matte black, black, white or orange, with interiors
finished in black and red, black and purple and all-black. Cars delivered in
Europe will feature a carbon fibre centre console and door trims, with carbon
fibre sports seats finished in Alcantara. | | | | | | | Drivers wanting the highest levels of driving dynamics and class-leading
safety as well as the lowest levels of emissions now have yet another choice in
the Volvo range.
The new Volvo S60 and V60 offer sub-120 g/km
emissions from their 1.6 litre turbo diesel engines.
Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and
start/stop technology, the S60 and V60 DRIVe models produce just 114 g/km and
119 g/km respectively.
These low CO2 producing models also
achieve low fuel consumption figures of 65.7 mpg for the S60 and 62.8 mpg for
the V60 (EU combined cycle).
The low CO2 emissions and a starting
price of £23,495 on the road for the S60 DRIVe ES offers good news for company
car buyers looking at their Benefit In Kind payments. The V60 tops its'
segment while the S60 beats its' German rivals. For the S60 DRIVe ES,
drivers will pay just £52 a month for 20% tax payers and £58 a month for the
V60 DRIVe ES. Leasing rates for both the S60 DRIVe and V60 DRIVe start at
£279 a month.
The new 1.6 litre DRIVe engine ensures both models
fall below the 120 g/km threshold meaning that there is no first year road tax
and thereafter, only a £30 a year road tax bill meaning it is good news for
both retail and business users.
Production of the S60 DRIVe and V60 DRIVe will
begin at the end of February with customer vehicles expecting to be delivered
in April 2011.
At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo Cars will be
unveiling the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid - a virtually
production-ready Volvo V60 with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km.
The Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched in the market in 2012, is the result
of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier
Vattenfall. | | | | The Infiniti hybrid saloon will cost £46,840 when right-hand drive versions
arrive in UK Infiniti Centres from April.
In its technology, performance, luxury and standard equipment, the single
M35h GT Premium model available in the UK is every inch Infiniti's flagship
saloon. As the brand's advanced technology showcase, the Infiniti M35h features a
raft of cutting-edge engineering. |  |
At its heart is the Infiniti Direct Hybrid
system, a new-generation drivetrain whose one electric motor/two clutch layout
delivers performance and efficiency without compromises while enhancing the
responsiveness essential for maximum driver appeal.
In addition the Infiniti M35h is equipped with innovative new hybrid
electric power steering and regenerative braking, a hybrid dashboard display
showing energy flows and a low-speed audible warning system (VSP) to help ensure
the safety of pedestrians and other road users. | | | | A new collection of well-equipped, high value models has just been introduced
across the Fiat passenger car range.
Called MyLife, the new trim level was launched last Friday (18 February)
with Fiat Punto MyLife, and is followed up this week with Fiat Panda.
Bravo, Qubo and Doblo MyLife vehicles will be introduced later this year. |  |
Part of the Fiat range, the MyLife cars are not limited editions. They focus
on style and technology, with a special emphasis on choice and value for money,
in a car carrying an impressive equipment list. Original and distinctive,
MyLife cars combine design, technology and eco-friendliness in a single
product.
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